49ers-Cardinals: What to look for

Expect the 49ers to revive their defensive game plan against the Lions, when they bottled up Calvin Johnson. Today against the Cardinals, they face another elite receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. The 49ers played both safeties back and man coverage against the Lions in their 25-19 win.
Johnson still amassed 114 yards receiving, but was kept out of the end zone. The 49ers would take those numbers today against Fitzgerald.
That strategy does stress the linebackers, who have to play man coverage against the running backs and tight ends. However, tight ends Jeff King (18 receptions) and Todd Heap (13) have not been that productive.
On offense, expect the 49ers to go back to running the ball, even if Frank Gore is limited. The rain and soggy turf dictates it, and so does the Cardinals porous run defense. It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals play a five-man defensive line like the Giants did. The Giants also went with nine men in the box.